It’s not uncommon for some people to become anxious when they learn they need to have wisdom teeth removal. Many of us have heard stories from friends, family, or co-workers about the process and their own personal experiences with wisdom teeth removal in Edmonton.
While the thought of wisdom tooth extraction may sound daunting to some people, the truth is that it is an extremely common procedure with a very low risk of complications. Keep reading to learn more about the extraction procedures performed at Lumos Dental in Mill Creek, Edmonton.
Wisdom teeth are molars that are found in the back of your mouth that usually emerge in your late teens. Wisdom teeth are commonly poorly aligned and don’t have enough space to grow properly, which damages the surrounding teeth and causes pain and infections. This is why most people need to have their wisdom teeth removed. At our Dental Clinic in Mill Creek / Ritchie, we provide wisdom teeth extractions at low cost, following the Alberta Dental Fee Guide.
Dr. Muntaka Shah of Lumos Dental is experienced with advanced wisdom teeth extraction cases and performs wisdom teeth surgery for other clinics as well. We offer complimentary wisdom teeth consultations with Dr. Shah so you can visit us and discuss any concerns you may have. With proper planning and preparation, wisdom teeth extractions can be a smooth and comfortable process for you.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth do not always come out from under your gums properly aligned with the rest of your molars. As a matter of fact, this is rare as wisdom teeth are usually impacted, meaning they are not able to come out properly through your gum line due to lack of space, misalignment and because of the proximity of adjacent teeth. This results in problems such as:
Pain
Trapping food and debris behind the wisdom tooth
Infection or gum disease (periodontal disease)
Tooth decay in a partially erupted wisdom tooth
Damage to a nearby tooth or surrounding bone
Development of a fluid-filled sac (cyst) around the wisdom tooth
Complications with orthodontic treatments to straighten other teeth
What Are the Different Types of Wisdom Tooth Impactions?
Soft Tissue Impaction: In this case, there is not enough room to allow the gum tissue to retract for adequate cleaning (and use) of the tooth.
Partial Bony Impaction: There is enough space for the wisdom tooth to partially erupt. However, the eruption is not enough to allow the tooth to perform necessary functions (chewing, etc.) and the patient will not be able to brush or floss the area properly.
Complete Bony Impaction: There is no space for the wisdom tooth to erupt. In this instance, the tooth remains embedded in the jaw bone. If partially visible, it still requires complex surgery for removal, especially if the impacted tooth rests in an unusual position, making it more difficult to remove. This situation often arises when the shape or size of a patient’s jaw bone and/or other facial structure makes removal significantly more complicated.
Wisdom Tooth Extraction Process
At the time of extraction the doctor will need to numb your tooth, jaw bone and gums that surround the area with a local anesthetic.
During the extraction process you will feel a lot of pressure. This is from the process of firmly rocking the tooth in order to widen the socket for removal.
You feel the pressure without pain as the anesthetic has numbed the nerves stopping pain.
Some teeth require sectioning. This is a very common procedure done when a tooth is so firmly anchored in its socket or the root is curved and the socket can’t expand enough to remove it. The dentist simply cuts the tooth into sections then removes each section one at a time.
Recovery After Wisdom Tooth Extraction Procedure
The healing process is quicker than you think! After your wisdom teeth have been extracted you should be able to resume normal activity within a day or two. Keep in mind, however, that you will need to make sure you adhere to any follow-up instructions you’ve received to avoid potential complications. Depending on your case, your dentist will provide you a detailed plan to follow so you can heal quickly.
